150 Award Genres
Children
- Children - Action
- Children - Adventure
- Children - Animals
- Children - Audiobook
- Children - Christian
- Children - Coming of Age
- Children - Concept
- Children - Educational
- Children - Fable
- Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Children - General
- Children - Grade 4th-6th
- Children - Grade K-3rd
- Children - Mystery
- Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Children - Non-Fiction
- Children - Picture Book
- Children - Preschool
- Children - Preteen
- Children - Religious Theme
- Children - Social Issues
Christian
- Christian - Amish
- Christian - Biblical Counseling
- Christian - Devotion/Study
- Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Christian - Fiction
- Christian - General
- Christian - Historical Fiction
- Christian - Living
- Christian - Non-Fiction
- Christian - Romance - Contemporary
- Christian - Romance - General
- Christian - Romance - Historical
- Christian - Thriller
Fiction
- Fiction - Action
- Fiction - Adventure
- Fiction - Animals
- Fiction - Anthology
- Fiction - Audiobook
- Fiction - Chick Lit
- Fiction - Crime
- Fiction - Cultural
- Fiction - Drama
- Fiction - Dystopia
- Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
- Fiction - Fantasy - General
- Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
- Fiction - General
- Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
- Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
- Fiction - Historical - Personage
- Fiction - Holiday
- Fiction - Horror
- Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Fiction - Inspirational
- Fiction - Intrigue
- Fiction - LGBTQ
- Fiction - Literary
- Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
- Fiction - Military
- Fiction - Mystery - General
- Fiction - Mystery - Historical
- Fiction - Mystery - Legal
- Fiction - Mystery - Murder
- Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
- Fiction - Mythology
- Fiction - New Adult
- Fiction - Paranormal
- Fiction - Realistic
- Fiction - Religious Theme
- Fiction - Science Fiction
- Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Fiction - Social Issues
- Fiction - Southern
- Fiction - Sports
- Fiction - Supernatural
- Fiction - Suspense
- Fiction - Tall Tale
- Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
- Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
- Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
- Fiction - Thriller - General
- Fiction - Thriller - Legal
- Fiction - Thriller - Medical
- Fiction - Thriller - Political
- Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
- Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
- Fiction - Time Travel
- Fiction - Urban
- Fiction - Visionary
- Fiction - Western
- Fiction - Womens
Non-Fiction
- Non-Fiction - Adventure
- Non-Fiction - Animals
- Non-Fiction - Anthology
- Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
- Non-Fiction - Audiobook
- Non-Fiction - Autobiography
- Non-Fiction - Biography
- Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
- Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
- Non-Fiction - Cultural
- Non-Fiction - Drama
- Non-Fiction - Education
- Non-Fiction - Environment
- Non-Fiction - Genealogy
- Non-Fiction - General
- Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
- Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
- Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness
- Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
- Non-Fiction - Historical
- Non-Fiction - Hobby
- Non-Fiction - Home/Crafts
- Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Non-Fiction - Inspirational
- Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
- Non-Fiction - Marketing
- Non-Fiction - Memoir
- Non-Fiction - Military
- Non-Fiction - Motivational
- Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
- Non-Fiction - New Age
- Non-Fiction - Occupational
- Non-Fiction - Parenting
- Non-Fiction - Relationships
- Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
- Non-Fiction - Retirement
- Non-Fiction - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Non-Fiction - Social Issues
- Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
- Non-Fiction - Sports
- Non-Fiction - Travel
- Non-Fiction - True Crime
- Non-Fiction - Womens
- Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Poetry
Romance
Young Adult
- Young Adult - Action
- Young Adult - Adventure
- Young Adult - Coming of Age
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- Young Adult - Fantasy - General
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
- Young Adult - General
- Young Adult - Horror
- Young Adult - Mystery
- Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Young Adult - Non-Fiction
- Young Adult - Paranormal
- Young Adult - Religious Theme
- Young Adult - Romance
- Young Adult - Sci-Fi
- Young Adult - Social Issues
- Young Adult - Thriller
Illustration Award
Recommend this book:
Wealth Your Way
A Simple Path to Financial Freedom
Cosmo P DeStefano

2023 Gold Medal
236 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Retirement

Wealth Your Way: A Simple Path To Financial Freedom is precisely what the book's title entails. Living up to its name, this is a tremendously informative book that covers a lot of ground about mapping out the appropriate and lucrative steps to achieving financial independence. As a retired certified public accountant, author Cosmo P. DeStefano presents his expertise and offers valuable gems of advice from the first to the last page. He knowledgeably discusses a significant amount of topics regarding finance and breaks them down in an easy-to-understand manner. Notwithstanding the fact that DeStefano writes for a broad audience, he considerately mentions he aims to help the reader "how to think about personal finance matters rather than what to think." Because similar to success being arguably subjective, so is financial independence. It's not a one-size-fits-all.
Wealth Your Way is one of the best books I've come across regarding the "boring business stuff." Cosmo P. DeStefano doesn't beat you over the head with complicated accounting jargon. His writing style is straight to the point and down-to-earth, proving the age-old truth that simplicity does go a long way. He simplifies terms like "asset allocation," which made me appreciate the book even more because who enjoys reading where you have to pause every other sentence to Google what certain words mean? DeStefano also went to great lengths on the subject of investing. I love that he doesn't advocate "beating the market" but recommends making the right decisions and not being clouded by biased judgment. What I valued the most is that he highlights the cardinal factor in accumulating wealth: Self-Awareness. Because at the end of the day, you're responsible. And after all, as DeStefano proficiently points out, financial independence is personal. There's a chapter about inheritance, and a noteworthy line sticks out: "No matter what else you leave to your children, give them the two gifts that will bear fruit for generations: your unconditional love and the gift of wisdom." Wealth Your Way is definitely a gift that I believe everyone will treasure for a long time to come!
Recommend this book:
Retirement Wreckers
John J Sastry

2023 Finalist
158 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Retirement

Retirement Wreckers by John J Sastry is a financial guide to having a stress-free retired life. Sastry discusses the crucial financial plans you must make before retiring. First, he explains how pension plans work, their risks, and why they are becoming less popular. He then dives into employer-sponsored plans, social security, and the benefits of having a proper health care plan. It also covers the mental, physical, and social aspects of transitioning into retirement, your approximate longevity, and how it all factors into your project. He also talks about using common sense to devise a good plan, making investments, nursing care, preparing budgets, making decisions with your spouse, and many more retirement-related topics.
It is never too early to start preparing for your future. Retirement Wreckers is a must-read because it is a blueprint for setting retirement plans and goals. Retirement is a major financial and social shift in life. Therefore, it is essential to prepare for it adequately. John J Sastry gives retirement advice based on personal and professional experience. To raise his points, he uses case studies, researched data with actual figures and percentages, and famous incidents like the Titanic. It is well-written, with bold titles, numbered lists, chapter summaries, and website links. Planning for your future will require research and implementing plans to suit your retirement goals. Therefore, I highly recommend it to anyone starting their retirement planning, as this is the perfect reference guide.
Recommend this book:
The Armchair Real Estate Millionaire
If You're Sitting There Anyway, You Might As Well Build Your Wealth
Michael Dominguez

2022 Gold Medal
252 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Retirement

The Armchair Real Estate Millionaire by Michael Dominguez is a self-help educational investment strategy guide for those who are doing little to enrich themselves both personally and professionally. Dominguez's subtitle is as clipped and succinct as the rest of the book: If You're Sitting There Anyway, You Might As Well Build Your Wealth. True, indeed. Written by an expert in the area of real estate investment and with an impressive portfolio to back up the effectiveness of the model in his own life, Dominguez breaks down the strategy over fourteen chapters. He covers areas such as legal insider trading and renovations, the ins and outs of renting properties an investor owns, and building on that wealth once a strategist makes it there.
I've always assumed that it takes a big, bold individual to land on solid footing in the real estate market. Most of this was due to only viewing the market as a means of selling, without fully understanding the nature of the beast from an investment point of view. Michael Dominguez clears this up in The Armchair Real Estate Millionaire and takes away the smoke and mirrors to reveal how straightforward investing in property can be. The most enlightening chapter for me was eleven, A Part-Time Job That Will Make You A Millionaire. Owning and renting real estate might not be the same as a timecard punching job, but it is still a job. You still have to do the work, and I think this is what separates Dominguez from other authors who promise that you do not have to catch the stars because they will just fall into your lap. Instead, Dominguez is blunt about the fact that you actually have to be proactive, hitch the darn wagon, and keep on driving it. The writing is flawless and engaging, the format is simple, and the facts are all there. The result is a practical blueprint for would-be investors that makes the task feel a bit less daunting.
Recommend this book:
Don't Retire... Graduate!
Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age
Eric Brotman

2022 Bronze Medal
354 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Retirement

Don't Retire...Graduate! Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age is a financial information and planning book. Author Eric Brotman is the CEO of a financial advising company and has many years of experience in the field. He divided his book into “years in college”—freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. Each of those years is further broken down into semesters. This format ensures that the book is well organized, that each section builds on previous ones, and that the material is easily understandable. Brotman’s book covers investments, estate planning, insurance, money management, and much more. Each section ends with summary exercise questions, along with their answers. The author says we should rethink the concept of retirement. He suggests that people keep active in fields they enjoy, rather than only engage in leisure activities.
If you only read one book about your personal finances, make sure it’s this one. To say this book is “terrific” vastly understates its value. I’ve read many financial planning books in my lifetime; this one is arguably the best. Unlike some financial planning books, the author’s advice is actually sound! Not only do I overwhelming agree with the advice, but I’ve also already practiced it in my own life and can tell you that it works. I retired early, live in a low-income-tax state, and “work” at activities I enjoy, not because I need the money, but because I love what I do with my time. I only share my own story to let you know that Eric Brotman’s advice is not only wise, but it’s also realistic. Modern-day finances are too complicated for everyone to agree on every point, and I can’t say I concur with Eric Brotman 100 percent of the time. No matter. Everyone who wants to handle their financial affairs well needs to read Don't Retire...Graduate! Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age and take its advice.
Recommend this book:
From Savvy Saver to Smart Spender
How to Pick a Tax-Wise Retirement Withdrawal Strategy
Daniel W. McDonald

2022 Honorable Mention
142 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Retirement

From Savvy Saver to Smart Spender by Daniel W. McDonald is a non-fiction self-help finance book to guide readers on “How to Pick a Tax-Wise Retirement Withdrawal Strategy.” In layman's terms, it is the exact opposite of every retirement finance book you've ever read. It teaches you how to actually spend retirement money while everyone else seems to forget that there is life after savings, and that life requires withdrawals from the funds readers who are in or approaching their retirement years have worked hard to amass. McDonald covers all things retirement finance-related once retirement has begun, including why a withdrawal strategy is crucial, and the variety of ways where following a good strategy can save a reader from hefty and unnecessary tax liabilities.
I have to admit that I hadn't ever really considered that when my husband and I retire, there might be a need for the comprehensive advice Daniel W. McDonald gives in From Savvy Saver to Smart Spender. I cannot be alone in thinking that one would just take what they need and that would be that. The reality is that the nest egg will not be as comfortable if it isn't managed strategically even in retirement. McDonald does well in addressing where a reader is in their age bracket and, depending on their situation, what they need to start doing right this moment. The writing itself is straightforward and clean, with McDonald taking a mostly conversational tone. Most readers will appreciate this because even though we are being given homework, it is dressed up as a friend advising us over a cup of coffee. It flows organically and comes across with a voice that encourages an override of what we think we know. The only downside to this book is that we soon learn that we know very little. Thankfully, McDonald is here to save us and our savings from the best position possible. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Financial Freedom With Real Estate: Start Making Money Today Because Everyone Else Is
3 Simple Ways That Even Your Kids Can Do It: Secrets Guaranteed to Work Right Away
Michael Steven

2021 Gold Medal
130 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Retirement

Financial Freedom with Real Estate: Start Making Money Today Because Everyone Else Is by Michael Steven is a guide on real estate investment for newbies. Who doesn’t like financial freedom? In this day and age, everyone is looking for a second source of income that will help them maintain a comfortable lifestyle. We all want to increase our income and do it comfortably. Investing in real estate is a great way to do that. With this book, the author promises readers an understanding of how they can turn their salary into rental income, how to invest in real estate, how to make money, how to invest even when they don’t have money, how to increase investment, and lot more. This simple and easy guide is here to take you on a journey to financial freedom.
I am still surprised how easy this is to read. Financial Freedom with Real Estate is filled with positivity and good advice. Michael Steven puts current circumstances into focus and gives readers enough information to give them hope. He is correct in saying that we don’t make enough money to put some away for our retirement. The author uses simple words that are easy to understand yet they have a very mighty impact. This book is not just filled with speculation and ideas. The author lays the foundation of the information for the reader, gives them the knowledge they need to invest in real estate, how to make a good investment, and how to avoid negative cash flow. From guiding readers on what property to invest in, funding, renting out, and maintaining it, the author covers it all. This is a helpful guide that contains everything you need to make good decisions about your financial future.
Recommend this book:
“You’re Kidding, Right?”
“Oh no, not another book on how to make money investing in stocks and bonds”
Brad Goldfarb

2021 Bronze Medal
228 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Retirement

Brad Goldfarb’s “You’re Kidding, Right?” is definitely not another book on how to make money investing in stocks and bonds. In fact, he never attempts to give advice on how to make money by investing; rather, it’s the opposite. He tells you what you do not want to hear, and the truth may be a bitter pill to swallow, but it helps you get better. Goldfarb’s book is about knowing what pitfalls to avoid and how not to let your emotions override your judgment when it comes to investment decisions. He does not make recommendations on what stocks to pick and which financial brokerage firm to tap. Through a layman’s explanation, the book sheds light on the methods of analysis and how to better work with your financial advisor. The best part of this book is that it is written in short, anecdotal pieces that contain nuggets of truths about the market and investing.
This book strikes me with deep, personal enlightenment when it comes to investing. As a retail trader and investor, I've had my share of blown accounts. When uncontrolled emotions step in, you sink deeper into the loser’s pit. I like the way he discusses behavioral finance, for it is an integral aspect that most traders and investors overlook. Goldfarb carefully explains why you make the wrong decisions when you choose to be emotional rather than rational in the process. At the end of the book, he does give tips on how to enjoy your money after all your hard work. And why not? After all, accumulating wealth in your golden years is a feat that not everyone can achieve, so you might as well be familiar with how to hatch your golden eggs. “You’re Kidding, Right?” is a highly recommended book that will boost your financial and investment literacy.
Recommend this book:
Don't Retire... Graduate!
Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age
Eric Brotman

2021 Honorable Mention
354 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Retirement

Don't Retire...Graduate! Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age is a financial information and planning book. Author Eric Brotman is the CEO of a financial advising company and has many years of experience in the field. He divided his book into “years in college”—freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. Each of those years is further broken down into semesters. This format ensures that the book is well organized, that each section builds on previous ones, and that the material is easily understandable. Brotman’s book covers investments, estate planning, insurance, money management, and much more. Each section ends with summary exercise questions, along with their answers. The author says we should rethink the concept of retirement. He suggests that people keep active in fields they enjoy, rather than only engage in leisure activities.
If you only read one book about your personal finances, make sure it’s this one. To say this book is “terrific” vastly understates its value. I’ve read many financial planning books in my lifetime; this one is arguably the best. Unlike some financial planning books, the author’s advice is actually sound! Not only do I overwhelming agree with the advice, but I’ve also already practiced it in my own life and can tell you that it works. I retired early, live in a low-income-tax state, and “work” at activities I enjoy, not because I need the money, but because I love what I do with my time. I only share my own story to let you know that Eric Brotman’s advice is not only wise, but it’s also realistic. Modern-day finances are too complicated for everyone to agree on every point, and I can’t say I concur with Eric Brotman 100 percent of the time. No matter. Everyone who wants to handle their financial affairs well needs to read Don't Retire...Graduate! Building a Path to Financial Freedom and Retirement at Any Age and take its advice.
Recommend this book:
Straight Talk About Planning Your Succession
A Primer for CEOs
Abby Donnelly

2019 Bronze Medal
103 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Retirement

As a business owner, exiting your business and handing over the reins to the next person is one of the hardest things you will ever have to do. It does not matter whether you are selling the business or simply retiring. It will still not be easy. However, with the right planning, you can ensure that you are prepared both emotionally and financially for this inevitable change. In Straight Talk About Planning Your Succession: A Primer for CEOs, Abby Donnelly provides a practical guide on how to ensure a successful exit and succession process. The aim of the book is to help you make sure that the business is ready for the transition, the people you are leaving in charge are ready to carry on without you, and most importantly that you are ready to exit - that you have a good plan for your life after the exit and you are emotionally ready for this big change.
Exit and succession planning is not something you can do at the last minute. For the sake of both the business and yourself, you need to start planning as early as possible. Getting used to the idea that one day you will leave the business for someone else to run prepares you mentally so that when it finally happens, it's easier to deal with. Abby is drawing from her more than 15 years of experience working with small to medium size business owners to guide you on this inevitable journey. Straight Talk About Planning Your Succession: A Primer for CEOs, by Abby Donnelly, is a must-read for business owners and senior management. Knowing that you left the business in good hands will give you the peace of mind to enjoy your retirement or whatever your next step is after exit. The book is not just about making sure everything is in place for the business to survive your exit, but it also covers the very important part of making sure that you too are ready. This is the part that is often ignored by most succession and exit planning manuals.
Recommend this book:
Rewrite Your Financial Narrative
Eliminate Retirement Guesswork......
Fred Wollman

2019 Honorable Mention
144 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Retirement

Rewrite Your Financial Narrative: Eliminate Retirement Guesswork by Fred Wollman is an insightful book that will help people come to terms with their financial reality and guide them properly while saving for retirement. This book is a good tool to help people get their financial lives in focus and formulate a game plan with all the speed bumps they will encounter on their way. The author speaks about the five pillars of financial planning that will help to create a viable long-term financial plan for the family and will help readers deal with the various phases of their lives in different ways - mentally, emotionally, and financially.
The topic is relevant and the author's approach is informative and useful when looking at where each person stands financially at the retirement stage of their lives. The suggestions in the book will assist readers through their financial journey in life and, since it is written in simple language, readers will be able to understand the strategies and techniques easily. This book will make readers think more about their goals, priorities, what is important to them, and what they want to accomplish. It is definitely a good book that will aid readers when it comes to making good financial decisions and it will give them a firm grip on financial matters so that their retirement is comfortable.
